Flaubert also struggled with frequent depression problems, just as Emma does when she realizes she never can have what she most desires. .
The first use of irony in Flaubert's novel is portrayed in part 1, chapter VIII, when Charles and Emma are invited to a Ball. Emma is embarrassed by her clumsy, unsophisticated husband. She is surrounded by wealthy, elegant noblemen and women. When the ballroom gets too hot, a servant opens a window to let air in. When Emma looks outside and sees peasants gawking in and she is reminded of her life on the farm. A viscount dances with her, and she feels she has been cheated out of the life for which she was born. Flaubert's portrayal of the ball and the event that follow shows the ironic contrast between Emma's experience and reality. Flaubert conveys both the reality of how Emma looks at the ball as well the reality of how the ball looks to Emma. .
One of the most famous scenes is the scene at the fair. In part 2, chapters VIII, there is a festive, merry event, where animals are displayed, speeches given, and prizes awarded. Rodolphe takes Emma inside the empty town hall to watch the ceremony. When they are alone, he confesses his love for her. The representative of the local prefect arrives and gives a speech about public morality. Rodolphe continues to speak of his love and to urge Emma to return his feelings. She tries to act as she thinks proper for a married woman but can't resist intertwining her fingers with his. The context of the fair provides ironic contrast to Rodolphe's seduction of Emma. Flaubert cuts back and forth between the scene of the seduction and the speech on morality delivered by the bureaucratic official at the fair. When Rodolphe tells Emma he loves her, the official presents a local farmer the award for first prize manure. Just the fact that Rodolphe and Emma were listening to a speech about morality while they were starting a scandalous affair is irony in itself.